Humility, simplicity, joy....

Be humble, be simple, and bring joy to others. -Saint Madeline Sophie Barat; from WISDOM FROM Women Saints; The Word Among Us Stand-Up Calendar; Compiled by Jeanne Kun -September 1

my desire for humility, simplicity and joy had to be uncovered.  i had allowed a lot of 'life's distractions' to cover them - almost to the point of suffocation.  it was my pain and suffering that helped me have the willingness to begin the process of developing my religious sense....

when i first saw this quote, i wanted to know more about this woman (don't you love her name!?). honestly, i wanted to know if her words were coming from a person i could accept....

Sophie Barat was born in France in 1779.  a brilliant woman -balanced, giving, whole.... -holy. she had an older brother (by 11 years) that taught her Latin, Greek, history, natural science, Spanish, Italian....  as a young teen, she surpassed college level students her brother was also teaching....

she was an amazing woman that literally impacted the world -starting over 80 foundations in more than 13 countries.  but the thing about her i love the most is this.  when she was 'put in charge' of her 'community' the first thing she did was to kneel, and kiss the feet of each of her sisters. i want her spirit of humility, simplicity and bringing joy to others.